iPad Mini Could Be in Short Supply Because of Display Shortage, Says Analyst

As is the case with every Apple release, the company’s iPad mini might be hit with supply constraints. But the issue, this time, is Samsung’s refusal to hand over displays, according to Richard Shim, an analyst with NPD DisplaySearch.

With Samsung out of the picture, there’s essentially only one supplier, AUO, which is straining production and making unit availability at lower than expected numbers. LG contributed 300,000 panels last month, and plans to supply over 1 million in October and more than 3 million in December. But Shim sees demand outpacing supply, which could forecast hard to find units this holiday season.

“Samsung and Apple appear to be winding down their relationship most likely due to the legal conflicts the two have been embroiled in recently,” Shim said. That’s nothing new, and quite frankly it was only a matter a time before it happened. Samsung’s timing, if it is in fact cutting Apple off, is crucial. Apple has been in the tablet game for over three years now, but it’s just now entering the 7-inch space.

Shim apparently has an upstanding track record with Apple news, CNET said, so there could very well be tight availability once the iPad mini launches on Nov. 2. Better get your Friday pre-orders in as soon as they go live.